Vet360 Vet360 Vol 06 Issue 02 | Page 32

DENTISTRY Figure 3A. A persistent primary right mandibular canine producing mesioversion of the secondary mandibular canine. Figure 5A. Left mandibular persistent primary tooth extraction indicated. 2. Use a No. 2 molt periosteal elevator to expose the primary canine root (Figure 4B) Figure 3B. Mesioversion of the left mandibular canine. Treatment Now that we’ve defined the problem, let’s fix it! A persistent primary tooth should be extracted as soon as the permanent tooth is observed to erupt in the same alveolus. The goal is to remove the entire primary tooth without fracture of the root. Examination of intraoral radiographs before extraction is important to get an appreciation of the subgingival anatomy of the tooth to be extracted. Figure 4B. Flap exposure of the primary canine tooth. 3. Insert and gently torque a wing-tipped elevator to create mobility of the tooth before delivery (Figures 4C and 5B). Here are the extraction steps after examining intraoral radiographs: 1. Make a diagonal incision over the caudal primary canine root (Figures 4A and 5A). Figure 4C. Wing-tipped elevator used to loosen the primary canine tooth. Figure 4A. Left maxillary persistent primary canine tooth. Gingical incision used to expose the persistent primary tooth. vet360 Issue 02 | MAY 2019 | 32 04 | AUGUST 2017 32 Issue